B.1.617 has already been identified in more than 30 countries, said de Oliveira, including the UK. VOC vs VOIA VOC is one that is suspected to either be more contagious than the original virus variant, cause more severe disease, or escapes vaccine-induced protection. By contrast, the 501Y.V1 variant has already spread to over 100 countries, while the variant dominating infections in South Africa has been identified in 70 countries, said de Oliveira. "A more comprehensive approach may be warranted – focusing on reliable test results of passengers before boarding elsewhere – and perhaps again testing when persons land in South Africa. SA's third wave is imminentThe B.1.617 variant may not yet be in South Africa, but we already have 501Y.V2, which is likely more infectious, said Hanekom.

Source: News 24 May 07, 2021 11:03 UTC